Pulse Nightclub to become a permanent memorial
Details yet to be revealed about whether Pulse will reopen elsewhere
The owner of Pulse nightclub is planning to turn at least part, if not all, of the site into a permanent memorial. As reported by WKMG ClickOrlando, Pulse has created a nonprofit charity, One Pulse Foundation, to raise funds for a memorial on the site. As part of that fundraising effort, One Pulse Foundation is planning a benefit concert in California on Aug. 19.
Following the mass shooting on June 12, many people took to the club’s Facebook page suggesting that the site be made into a memorial, dedicated to the 49 individuals who lost their lives in the attack. One commenter, Dan Wilkins, wrote: “They shouldn’t tear it down, tey should put a fabulous monument in front and get that pulse beating again. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN an never stop loving. xx.”
“My hope is that Pulse will turn this site into a memorial, leaving the sign as part of it and rebuild somewhere else,” writes Clarence Bryant. “This is a blood stained area and should be memorialized out of respect for the victims. This memorial could be visited all the time and even hold a vigil each year at this site.”
The club’s owner, Barbara Poma, had previously vowed that Pulse would reopen, setting of speculation that the club could reopen in another location, leaving the current site for the memorial. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer says organizers are still working out the details of the arrangement, but also warns that it may be some time before the memorial is completed.
“Think about how long it took them in New York City and Oklahoma City,” Dyer said. “What you want to do is do an appropriate permanent memorial, and I want to make sure we get a lot of input from the effected communities and the city.”
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
